Endoscopic Sensor Array for High-Resolution Surgical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes have limited imaging resolution and fail to provide multiple perspectives of biological tissue, leading to poor visibility and limited detail during minimally invasive medical procedures due to their small size and reliance on fiber optic bundles.
Innovation Solution
An array of image sensors, such as CCDs or CMOS sensors, is used to capture high-resolution images directly from the objective lens, allowing for real-time image processing and magnification without the need for fiber optic relays, enabling better visibility and the ability to zoom in on specific areas of interest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional endoscopes use fiber optic bundles to transmit images, then the device can be made small in size, but the imaging resolution is limited and multiple perspectives cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into multiple independent image sensors arranged in an array, where each sensor captures a separate perspective or magnification level. This segmentation allows high-resolution multi-perspective imaging without requiring complex fiber optic bundles, as each sensor independently captures images that are then digitally composited.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical fiber optic relay system with a digital imaging system using multiple electronic image sensors. Instead of transmitting optical images through physical fiber bundles, the system uses electronic sensors to capture images and digital processing to composite multiple perspectives, eliminating the resolution limitations of fiber optic bundles.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If endoscopes are made small to enable minimally invasive procedures, then patient safety and reduced intrusion are improved, but visibility and lighting in the surgical compartment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds the dimension of multiple perspectives by arranging image sensors in different orientations and positions within the endoscope head. This allows the system to capture images from multiple angles simultaneously, providing comprehensive visibility of the surgical field without requiring a larger endoscope diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes each image sensor serve multiple functions: capturing different magnification levels, different perspectives, and potentially different focal depths. This multi-functionality allows a compact endoscope design to provide comprehensive imaging capabilities that would traditionally require larger, more complex optical systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional endoscopes use a single perspective imaging system, then the device structure is simplified, but the ability to provide multiple perspectives and magnification levels is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic imaging system where the contribution of each image sensor can be selectively activated or deactivated based on the desired output. The system can dynamically switch between single-perspective mode, multi-perspective composite mode, different magnification levels, and various field-of-view configurations, providing adaptability without permanent structural complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration provides high-resolution, real-time imaging with enhanced clarity and the ability to magnify images to a microscopic level, improving surgical precision and allowing for non-invasive identification of healthy or diseased tissue without the need for tissue removal.
Implementation Method 1
The objective lens may receive images as reflections of light from the biological tissue that has been illuminated by the illumination fiber bundles
Implementation Method 2
The objective lens 106 may receive images as reflections of light from the biological tissue... Objective lens 106 focuses the image onto the distal end of the fibers
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed technology relates to high resolution imagery for a medical environment. Various embodiments provide for a surgical camera, such as an endoscopic camera, comprising an array of image sensors. The array of image sensors may be configured to capture static images or video, may be configured to capture imagery of biological tissue (e.g., surfaces), and may be specifically configured to capture imagery within a surgical environment. For some embodiments, the array of image sensors multiplies the number of available pixels by the number of image sensors, thereby facilitating high resolution image data (e.g., one or more static images or video). The collected image data may be processed at or near real-time to provide very high-quality imagery (e.g., images or video) that can be enhanced or magnified for medical purposes, which can provide a medical care giver (e.g., surgeon) better visibility during medical procedures.